Energy Funding

Pail with money overflowing onto the grass (Copyright IStock).
Find funding for your farm or home-based renewable energy project.

Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

Provides a map-based search interface. Find information about state, local, utility company, and select federal policies incentives that promote renewable energy.

Search programs for "farm", "agriculture", or "agricultural" to find additional opportunities. 

USDA. Rural Development.

Offers funding for energy audits, renewable energy development, energy efficiency improvements, and renewable energy systems. Includes programs that convert older heating sources to cleaner technologies, produce advanced biofuels, install solar panels, and build biorefineries.

DOE. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

"A resource guide to U.S. government programs that support the development of clean energy projects in the U.S. and abroad. Featuring programs from ten agencies, the guide includes summaries and case studies that can benefit private sector partners in finding capital for energy efficiency and clean energy projects."

USDA. Rural Development.

"The Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of new products." Funding is available for using an agricultural product or commodity to produce renewable energy on a farm or ranch. On-farm generation of energy from wind, solar, geothermal or hydro sources is not eligible.

USDA. Farm Service Agency.

"The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) provides financial assistance to owners and operators of agricultural and non-industrial private forest land who wish to establish, produce, and deliver biomass feedstocks."